Saturday, July 11, 2015

Ukiyo by Mela Ciano

Title:  Ukiyo
Series:  Blud #1
Author:  Mela Ciano
Publication Date:  June 18/15
Length:  268pgs
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Shelf:  review
Rating: ★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

Archaeology professor by day, backup shooter by night…
On a routine assignment, Ukiyo finds herself dragged into a world of danger and deception when she is forced to pull the trigger and kill a man. Torn between the agency that funds her research and a man she knows nothing about, she has to choose sides in a secret war that dates back hundreds of years.

Guardian, protector, and her own personal demon…
Burislav vowed to watch over her, but hiding his cursed birth right ends up being a secret that could cost Ukiyo her life. When he’s forced out of the shadows after more than twenty years, keeping her safe isn’t as easy as he thinks.

My Review:

Ciano’s writing never fails to delight me. He weaves a complex plot with characters that I truly enjoy, drawing you deeper and deeper into the world that he creates. He effortlessly weaves together action and intrigue, creating suspense that kept me on edge. The sense of dark foreshadowing that I felt throughout gave me chills, while the exciting story had me hooked. I did find that there were a couple of places where world building outweighed the plot, but these were few and far between and to be expected in the 1st novel of a new series. The world that Ciano creates is definitely well developed, while at the same time leaving room for expansion in future novels.

Ukiyo was a fantastic character who was a blast to get to know and someone I found that I truly enjoyed getting to know. Not only does he develop her as an individual but also through her interactions with those around her. The development of the supporting cast was also very well done. I found that there were many characters who evoked strong emotions in me, both good and bad. No one was a minor, bit player. Through his characters, Ciano develops this world that melds reality, fantasy, and the supernatural in a very natural manner.

Ciano has definitely created a thoroughly enjoyable and remarkably unique novel to launch his new series. It is definitely one that I would recommend to others, and a series I’ll gladly be following.

Book Links 

And now, enter this fantastic giveaway with Mario Saincic & Ukiyo.

Contest is open internationally, where applicable by law. 
Entries close at 11:59pm July 24/15. 
Winners will be drawn July 25/15. 
Winners will be notified via email to the email provided to the giveaway and will have 72h to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.

27 comments:

  1. I recently finished this book also and it was such a fantastic book. I am glad you enjoyed it also :)

    - Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have heard good comments about this book so I am looking forward to getting my copy. I will most probably end up buying it anyway..

    Floryie

    ReplyDelete
  3. this looks to be an excellent read! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the opportunity. Book looks good

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the opportunity. Book looks good

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the opportunity. Book looks good

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for introducing me to a new author!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mario Saincic is an amazing author! This is another example of his versatility!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The plot sounds intriguing. Looking forward to read this book.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you all for your comments, and good luck. Jonel, you are s star for hosting the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looking forward to the read on my TBR list

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ukiyo looks amazing! I can't wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love to see books with a strong female main character! Would love to read.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looking forward to experiencing your book.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This books sounds like it will be incredible! A suspenseful thriller mystery! I love those kinds of books! Can't wait to read it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like my cup of tea! Thanks for hosting, Jonel!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks like a very interesting book!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am intrigued at the statement, "Archeologist by day, backup shooter by night...". Is this like being the substitute teacher of hitmen, or women, in her case. If they need a hitter, and the primary hitman has been shot, or is in prison, then Ukiyo is the backup shooter and performs the hit? I have never heard of anyone proposing this before in fictional circles, so I just had to ask. Thanks for the chance to win the book, and good luck with your release. Best Regards, Melinda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the question :)
      Ukiyo does not follow any rules, guidelines or trends.
      The story does not reinvent the wheel, it merely takes a different view of it.

      Delete
  19. Thanks again for all partaking, and with the sand almost running out...good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks for all the contests and good luck on the new book.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can't limit myself to one particular dish. What I cook and eat depends on my mood, my guests or even what I feel like drinking.
    What is your favourite, Jonel?

    ReplyDelete
  22. I can't limit myself to one particular dish. What I cook and eat depends on my mood, my guests or even what I feel like drinking.
    What is your favourite, Jonel?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh. You're right. That is a tough one Mario. (looks at the weather forecast for today). This would be a perfect day for a good ol' barbecue. I do love barbecue.

      Delete